Back row (L-R): Jaleon Clark, Sinai Leon, Ja’Kylon Taylor, Jeremiah Clemmons, Mecasia Taylor, Mattilyn Taylor, Rachel Cunningham, Nima Hasan, Claudia Leek, Gerardo Ramirez, Makya Moss and Kay Gavin. Front row (L-R): Shamariah Houston, Madeline McCage, Shamaiya Flagg, Vanessa Littlejohn, Ava Adams and Laura Aguilar. Members not pictured: Gabriel Carranza, Mackenzie Hawkins, Summer Ray, Osvaldo Rodriguez, Reid Russell, Walter Smith, Chris Swalm-Rodriguez, Janiya Williams and Briana Zuniga. Also pictured is Wesley Taylor who was posthumously inducted at the March 30 ceremony.

On March 30, Haywood High School’s chapter of The National Beta Club held their annual induction ceremony for new members.

To be qualified for The Beta Club, students must be a junior or a senior, have a 3.0 academic GPA, have no Ds or Fs on their permanent record, and have acceptable attendance and discipline record.

President Elizabeth Kirby began the evening by calling the ceremony to order. Following the pledge of allegiance, senior Darrin Silas delivered an inspirational message. Then senior members assisted in the tapping ceremony in which each new member was pinned.

During the pinning, a beloved classmate who passed away in February, Wesley Taylor, was honored. His mother Judy Taylor attended the ceremony to receive his ribbon. Being accepted into the high school Beta Club was very important to Wesley. He was also a member of the Junior Beta Club in middle school.

The Beta Club officers then delivered the Explanation of Beta Club standards that include: Leadership, Achievement, Character, and Service.

Officers are: Elizabeth Kirby, president, Chaoyue Yuan, vice- president, Shelby Littlejohn, secretary, and Andrew McBride, treasurer.

The ceremony ended with the traditional passing of the flame, reciting the pledge, closing remarks by principal Brittany Avent, and refreshments.

The local chapter is sponsored by Ms. Holly Chilcutt.

Special thanks to Ms. Glynn Bridgewater for the program design and flowers.